Chapter 176

Draven’s POV
On the screen was a photo that made Alaric growl in fury. It showed Caroline’s ex-boyfriend Marcus. The caption read, “Look who Marcus’s new girlfriend is.”
“Nate, that’s Linda,” I said.
“But how does Linda know Caroline’s ex? How did they end up together?” Kyle wondered, studying the photo. For original chapters go to.net
“Linda? The Linda we’re looking for?” Nate asked, confusion evident in his tone.
“Damn, you’ve never met her. But your mother definitely would recognize her,” I explained. Linda had worked as my father’s company assistant and would have attended various pack gatherings and business events.
Nate’s mother, being Luna of the Starlight Pack, would definitely know her face.
“Eleanor!”
I showed Eleanor the photo, and she unleashed a string of colorful curses before immediately taking charge of the situation.
“Nate, forward that photo to me right now. Ryan, call your investigator in Maplewood and put him on speaker.” I had to admire how efficiently she commanded the room.
“This is Jace, who’s calling?” The investigator answered on the second ring.
“Jace, how are you?” Ryan greeted warmly.
“Ryan? What an honor, twice in less than a week,” Jace joked.
Ryan had told me that Jace was a friend from his training days who preferred tracking and investigation to warrior duties, eventually becoming a freelance detective.
“Brother, the honor is all mine to call you friend. I need your help, and it’s urgent,” Ryan replied, his tone serious.
“Just tell me what you need. I’m still in Maplewood,” Jace said.
“That’s exactly what we need.” In less than five minutes, Ryan and Eleanor had briefed Jace on the situation.
“I’ll contact the Maplewood police station immediately with this photo and information,” Jace promised before ending the call.
Shortly after,Eleanor turned to me.”I’ve informed Sebastian. He says he’ll immediately search the territory for Marcus and bring him in for questioning.”
Eleanor’s brother was the Alpha of Blood Moon Pack. I’d wager that if Eleanor had been male, she would have made an exceptional Alpha herself.
I nodded quickly. “Tell Alpha Sebastian my search teams are almost there too.”
“Kyle, when this is all over, remind me to send Nate’s mother a gift. Tell her I’m grateful, Nate.” This was our first real lead since the nightmare began.
“Don’t worry, Draven. My mother is happy to help,” Nate replied as his phone rang. “Hi, Mom?” He listened briefly, sighed, then put the call on speaker. “Mom, what are you saying?”
“Oh, Nate, you’re too slow! Put Eleanor on!” Nate’s mother demanded impatiently, making me smile despite everything.
“Mom, you’re on speaker,” he informed her.
“Hi, Mother-in-law. You’ve helped us tremendously, thank you,” Eleanor greeted warmly.
“Elle, I’m worried about Caroline.Something’s happened—maybe nothing, but I thought I should tell you.”
“What is it, Mother-in-law?” Eleanor asked, suddenly alert.
“I visited Maplewood today to see an old friend. We went to the salon in town together. Sitting right next to me was a woman, the same woman from that photo I Sent!”
Everyone in the room stopped working, listening intently.
“She was blonde before, but today she dyed her hair black and got it cut into a bob. Looks completely different now.”
“Mother-in-law, are you certain it’s the same person?” Eleanor asked.
“Absolutely certain! I have an excellent memory. Plus, this woman was acting nervous, constantly looking around. She told the stylist she needed a complete makeover because she was meeting someone important.”
I realized Linda was deliberately changing her appearance to avoid detection. “Mother-in-law, what happened next?”
“I found her behavior suspicious, so I followed her discreetly. After leaving the salon, she actually met with Marcus, Caroline’s ex-boyfriend. The two of them were all lovey-dovey, so I secretly took photos. Then they drove to that abandoned farm at the edge of town.”
“That farm near the forest that’s been abandoned for years?” Eleanor asked.
“Yes, that very one. They went inside, and after a while, a tall man came out. I’m hiding in my car on a side road watching, and Linda hasn’t come out again. What worries me most is that I think I heard a child crying.”
The room fell silent.
“Mother-in-law, where are you now?” Eleanor asked tensely.
“Still here keeping watch. Nate told me what happened to Caroline and Liam. I saw Marcus with that woman. They were acting sneaky. My gut told me they were up to something bad. I couldn’t let them escape. Not if Caroline and the child are really in there
“Mother-in-law, you’re better than James Bond, but I need you to leave immediately. We’re sending people there. It’s too dangerous!”
“I’m not leaving, Eleanor. If that woman truly kidnapped them, I won’t let her escape.”
“Fine, but stay on the line with us and don’t put yourself in danger.”
“I will,” Nate’s mother agreed.
“Ryan, contact Alpha Sebastian and our search teams immediately,” I commanded.
Ryan relayed all the information. They promised to send people to the farm right away. The waiting would be torture.
“My mom has completely lost her mind,” Nate muttered, more to himself than anyone else, but I was grateful for her courage.
Just then, Leo, who had been staring intently at his computer screen, said, “That’s strange… this is really confusing!”
“What is it, Leo?” I asked.
“I don’t think Caroline is in Maplewood,” Leo said, turning his screen toward us.
“They’re not together?” My heart raced with anxiety.
“Possibly not!” Leo confirmed.
“Take a deep breath, Draven. Leo, what did you find?” Eleanor moved to the computer. “Look at these cell tower signals. The phone that called Caroline hours ago was picked up here.”
She pointed to a location on screen that was quite distant from Maplewood.
“We need to confirm this location,” Kyle said.
“Then let’s move!” Eleanor commanded. “Draven, stay calm. We’re making progress.”
My wolf Alaric howled inside me, desperate to find our mate and pup. The thought that Caroline and Liam might be separated made my blood run cold. If anyone had harmed them, they would face my wrath as Alpha.